Liverpool have signed the Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino subject to a medical, the Premier League club have announced.
The 23-year-old Brazil international has agreed what Liverpool describe as “a long-term contract” and will undergo a medical once he completes his commitments at the Copa América. Firmino has scored 47 goals in 151 appearances during his four and a half years in Germany and has scored four times in nine international caps, including Sunday’s Copa América winner against Venezuela.
Liverpool are likely to have to pay an initial £25m with further fees taking that total nearer £29m, which would make it the second largest transfer in their history – behind the £35m signing of Andy Carroll.
The club have taken steps to smooth the third-party ownership issues that would have prevented Firmino moving to England. While doubt continues to surroundRaheem Sterling’s future at Anfield, Firmino’s arrival goes some way to demonstrate Fenway Sports Group’s ambitions for the campaign ahead.
The forward can lead the line as a lone striker but will more naturally operate as a No10, a creator as well as scorer. He has also demonstrated a willingness to track back and work in defensive areas which will appeal to Brendan Rodgers, after a season of frustration with last year’s £16m signing, Mario Balotelli.
0 comments:
Post a Comment